— Sports Card Creases

Sports Card Crease Repair. Done honestly.

A crease is the single biggest hit to a card's condition. We reduce creases on baseball, basketball, football and hockey cards — and we're straight with you about what that can and can't achieve.

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What crease reduction does

A crease happens when a card bends far enough that its fibers break along a line. Crease reduction relaxes that line and brings the card back toward flat, so the crease is far less visible at a glance and the card lies flat again.

The honest part: creases almost always leave a scar. Under the right light, a reduced crease can still be seen, and graders will almost always see it. Crease reduction is about making a card look and present far better — not about making a crease disappear.

Types of creases

Light surface creases

Fine lines that catch the light but don't break through the card. These usually respond best.

Corner bends

A corner that's been folded back. We can often reduce the bend, as long as the corner isn't torn.

Full creases

Lines that run across the card. These can be reduced, but they leave a more visible scar.

Tears and breaks

If the paper has torn or a piece is missing, we can't rebuild it.

What you should know

  • No extra charge. Crease reduction is part of our full restoration service — your card's tier is set by its value.
  • It takes longer. Creased cards need 7–10 extra business days.
  • No expedited service. Creased cards aren't eligible for our expedited turnaround.
  • Grading is your call. You can still send a creased card for grading after restoration, but heavier repairs like crease reduction carry more risk of an "Altered" result. Read restored vs. altered cards.

Don't try this at home

Bending it back

Folding a crease the other way breaks more fibers and makes the line worse.

Irons and heat

Heat can warp the card, cloud glossy and chrome surfaces, or leave a mark.

Water and steam

Moisture can leave water stains, which can't be undone.

More on DIY risks in our guide to sports card restoration kits and tools.

While it's with us

Crease reduction is part of a full restoration, so we also take care of anything else on the card we can fix: dirt and grime, wax and gum stains on vintage cards, warping and curling, lifted edges and soft corners. See sports card restoration and baseball card restoration.

How to send your cards

  1. Fill out the submission form and mark creased cards. You'll see your price before checkout.
  2. Use our prepaid FedEx 2Day label ($35 round trip) and add insurance for the trip to us.
  3. Put each card in a top loader closed with a team bag — no tape — and include a printout of your order.
  4. Follow your order on your submission tracker.

Crease repair FAQ

Can a crease be removed from a sports card?

It can be reduced, often a lot. But creases almost always leave a scar that can still be seen under the right light.

How much does crease repair cost?

There's no separate crease fee. Crease reduction is part of our full restoration, priced by your card's value.

Will a graded card show the crease?

Graders will almost always see a crease, even a reduced one, and heavier repairs carry more risk of an "Altered" result. Whether to grade is your decision.

How long does it take?

Standard turnaround is 24–30 business days after check-in, plus 7–10 extra business days for creased cards. Creased cards aren't eligible for expedited service.

— Let's get minty

Creased card? Let's talk straight.

Send us your creased cards and we'll bring them back as close to original as honest work allows.

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